Choose from 13 Fun Things to Do in Langkawi
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Mahsuri's Tomb (Makam Mahsuri)
Mahsuri’s Tomb - or Makam Mahsuri - is a shrine to one of the most beautiful women to have ever lived on Langkawi.
There are at least 14 versions of the legend of Mahsuri although we do know that she was the daughter of Thai immigrants and married the warrior Wan Darus. The legends revolve around an accusation of adultery and her death by stabbing.
The stories say that white blood flowed from her proving her innocence and that with her final breath she cursed Langkawi for seven generations. The last of those seven generations passed just as tourism came to Langkawi and it began to prosper again.
Aside from a small museum about the Mahsuri legend there is also a traditional Langkawi house to explore and a handicrafts shop at the memorial compound.
There are at least 14 versions of the legend of Mahsuri although we do know that she was the daughter of Thai immigrants and married the warrior Wan Darus. The legends revolve around an accusation of adultery and her death by stabbing.
The stories say that white blood flowed from her proving her innocence and that with her final breath she cursed Langkawi for seven generations. The last of those seven generations passed just as tourism came to Langkawi and it began to prosper again.
Aside from a small museum about the Mahsuri legend there is also a traditional Langkawi house to explore and a handicrafts shop at the memorial compound.
Practical Info
The best way to get here is to drive although a number of tourist buses have this as a stop on their route.
Address: Jalan Makam Mahsuri, Langkawi, Malaysia
Admission: RM10
From $ 17
Tanjung Rhu Village
Tanjung Rhu has one of Langkawi’s most celebrated shorelines—and for good reason. Flanked by limestone cliffs jutting out into the Andaman Sea, the beach at Tanjung Rhu is breathtakingly attractive; the sand is as soft and white as any Thai island, its waters are crystal-clear and it affords some incredible views across the other Langkawi islands.
The beach is not the only draw for many visitors to Tanjung Rhu however, with many people heading further inland behind the shoreline and into Tanjung Rhu Village—home to some of Malaysia's most fascinating and diverse wildlife and natural landscape.
Tanjung Rhu Village is a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of Mother Nature. Monkeys, kingfishers and huge monitor lizards gather to greet visitors along the river banks, while eagles soar overhead. Elsewhere, the village’s fish farm restaurant serves up fresh seafood straight from the ocean.
Practical Info
Most visitors explore Tanjung Rhu as part of a day tour, taking in the caves, mangrove forests, and wildlife of the area. If you intend to stay longer though, Tanjung Rhu Resort and the Four Seasons Resort dominate the accommodation options here.
Address: Jalan Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi, Malaysia
From $ 8
Pulau Payar Marine Park
An overload of tropical fish awaits you at Palau Payer Marine Park. The park is a coral reef teeming with fish including feather starfish, rainbow runners, barracuda and ghost fish. It is one of the west coast’s most popular dive sites, there is the wreck of an old fishing boat and the wreck of a small boat carrying roof tiles to explore. It was the first marine park created in western Malaysia and is also used as a research center.
Snorkeling in the very warm waters is fantastic; get ready for the hungry little fish to nip at your toes as you explore their home. Aside from the colorful fish there are sea turtles, anemones, and friendly octopi. In the afternoon there are shark feeding exhibitions put on by the tour groups. The sharks are reef sharks which are exciting but won’t hurt humans.
The best time to visit is October to March, although any time of year is fine if the weather is good.
Practical Info
To get to Palau Payer you’ll need to join one of the tour groups allowed access to the park. They vary in what they deliver so it is worth doing your research.
Address: Palau Payer, Malaysia
Hours: Open year-round
Admission: RM20
From $ 94
Atma Alam Batik Art Village
Atma Alam Batik Art Village is a batik center located in Padang Matsirat, Malaysia on the island of Langkawi. Batik is a traditional wax-dyed cloth technique and an ancient art form. The center is owned by Aza Osman, an oil painter, and Roshadah Yusof, a batik artist. They designed the art village primarily to attract tourists and to promote the art of batik and showcase the creative art of batik in Langkawi. Atma Alam Batik Art Village has been recognized by the Ministry of Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage of Malaysia.
The batik art village building covers half an acre and consists of a batik workshop, a batik showroom, an art gallery, a batik gallery, and a handicraft display. It offers high quality and affordable local products, such as wall hangings, garments, and handbags. More expensive items for sale include collections of original canvas oil paintings and batik paintings by local artists. The batik art village also offers classes where you can learn to turn white fabric into batik art. There is also a cafe where you can get coffee, cold drinks, and snacks.
Practical Info
Atma Alam Batik Art Village is located on Jalan Padang Matsirat in Padang Matsirat. It is 1.25 miles from the Langkawi International Airport and near a Petronas gas station. Opening hours are 9am to 6pm daily, and admission is free. Photography is not allowed inside.
Address: Langkawi, Kedah 07000, Malaysia
Hours: Daily 9am-6pm
From $ 22
Langkawi Oriental Village
Oriental Village is best known as the home of the Langkawi Cable Car and Sky Bridge. The cable car transports visitors some 709 meters into the sky to the summit of Mount Mat Cincang—the second highest peak on Langkawi.
While the Langkawi Cable Car is undoubtedly the main draw here, Oriental Village has become a popular attraction in itself, offering enough in terms of shopping, eating and entertainment to fill a full day out. This sprawling, open-air complex features a vast array of souvenir and retail outlets, galleries, health spas, a hotel, and even a huge lake at its center.
Popular attractions at the Oriental Village include the duck tour, elephant adventure, and the tiger exhibition. Langkawi Oriental Village food court is also a crowd-pleaser, offering a variety of tasty Malaysian dishes at more than reasonable prices.
Practical Info
The Langkawi Oriental Village is located in Burau Bay on Langkawi’s western side. There are two entrances to the village—gates A and B—with the main entrance at gate A. Usual opening hours for shops and stalls in the village are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Address: Telaga Harbour Park, Langkawi, Malaysia
Hours: Daily 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
From $ 26
Underwater World Langkawi
Explore the sea life that lives in the waters surrounding the island at Underwater World Langkawi. There are over 4,000 sea creatures including fish, turtles, seals, giant clams and penguins for the aquarium lover to view. The aquatic exhibits cover different climates from sub-Antarctic to temperate and fresh water and includes a 45-foot (15m) long tunnel where you will be surrounded by sharks and giant rays.
New exhibits offer a look at the animals that inhabit the rain forests of the Amazon including anaconda and marmosets. Underwater World is especially fun for children offering many opportunities to learn about the sea creatures and the important role they play in the ocean’s ecosystem.
Practical Info
Underwater World is situated on the beach at Pantai Cenang, one of Langkawi’s best swimming beaches.
The facility is best reached by car or taxi.
Address: Zon Pantai Cenang, Mukim Kedawang, Langkawi 07000, Malaysia
Hours: Monday to Thursday 9:30am - 6:30pm, Friday to Sunday & Public Holidays: 9:30am - 8:30pm
Admission: RM38
From $ 9
Langkawi Cable Car
The Langkawi Cable Car takes riders high above the Langkawi rain forest on Mt. Mat Cincang (Gunung Mat Cincang) for a panoramic view of the surrounding islands and sea. Also called SkyCab, the cable car boasts Malaysia’s longest free span mono-cable car—at 3,117 feet (950 meters)—and is among the steepest on the planet.
The Basics
The Langkawi Cable Car is a great way to orient yourself upon arrival on Langkawi Island. The top station, which sits 2,323 feet (708 meters) above sea level, offers 360-degree views over the island and southern Thailand. Some tours to the cable car also include a visit to the Oriental Village or Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls, or an afternoon of island-hopping around Langkawi.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The cable car ride is a must-do for all first-time visitors to Langkawi Island.
- If lines are long, plan to skip the middle station to save time waiting in line.
- Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- The base station offers food concessions, bathrooms, and a prayer room.
- The SkyCab is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The easiest way to reach the Langkawi Cable Car is to hire a taxi; it’ll cost only a bit extra to have the driver wait while you enjoy the views.
When to Get There
For the best photos (meaning good light and fewer tourists), plan to arrive early—check the website for hours of operation—and be one of the first to board the cable car. Avoid visiting on local holidays or school vacations when Malaysian families turn out in droves.
Panorama Langkawi
The Langkawi Cable Car is part of the larger Panorama Langkawi. The two most popular attractions, in addition to the cable car, are the SkyGlide funicular and the Langkawi SkyBridge, a curved pedestrian bridge suspended about 328 feet (100 meters) above the surrounding forest.
Address: Cable Car Station, Oriental Village, Burau Bay, Langkawi 07000, Malaysia
Admission: Varies
From $ 6
Pulau Singa Besar
Located at the southwest tip of Langkawi, Pulau Singa Besar (meaning “Big Lion Island”) is nestled between the two islands of Pulau Beras Basah and Pulau Dayang Bunting. Pulau Singa Besar is home to over 1500 acres of dense rainforest, swaying palm trees, pure white sandy beaches, and some fascinating limestone formations.
This undeveloped Langkawi island remains refreshingly untouched by humans and as such features no basic amenities or constructions whatsoever. Instead, Pulau Singa Besar is a natural haven for a variety of flora and a range of wildlife, from mouse deer and macaques to monkeys and eagles – the latter of which are a huge attraction on the island come their feeding time.
The gentle, clear waters surrounding Pulau Singa Besar are ideal for swimming and snorkeling, with some unique species of fish and coral making for a fascinating underwater experience. However, many visitors choose to spend their time on Singa Besar simply lazing on the island’s soft sandy beaches and gazing out to those craggy limestone formations in the distance.
Practical Info
Those who visit Pulau Singa Besar’s shores often do so as part of an island-hopping tour taking in the other islands in the region. Alternatively, if you’re traveling as part of a group, you can hire an eight- or 12-person boat from Pulau Langkawi. Visitors should be aware that there are no amenities on Pulau Singa Besar and they should also be careful to take all rubbish with them when they leave the island.
Address: Malaysia
From $ 18
Eagle Square (Dataran Lang)
Dataran Lang, or Eagle Square in English, is a square on Langkawi near the port where ferries sail in and out. It is the first sight visitors to this Malaysian island will see when they arrive by boat. In the square is a giant statue of an eagle poised to take flight. The eagle is almost 40 feet tall. The reddish-brown eagle was built as a symbol of the island since, according to folklore, Langkawi’s name came from two Malay words, Helang which means “eagle” and Kawi which means “reddish brown.” It is one of Langkawi's most recognizable sights.
Eagle Square is about 19 acres large and has covered terraces, small ponds, fountains, footbridges, shops, and cafes. The square also has covered pavilions where events are held. Nearby you'll also find several duty-free shops. The square offers gorgeous views of Kuah Bay that leads into the sea and the surrounding mountains. From the square, you can also watch the ferries crossing the bay. After dark, the square and the eagle are illuminated with lights.
Practical Info
Eagle Square is located in Kuah Town near the Kuah Jetty on the southeastern corner of Langkawi Island. It is open 24 hours and admission is free. It is best to come in the evening or early in the morning to avoid the most intense heat.
Address: Kuah Jetty, Kedah, Langkawi 07000, Malaysia
From $ 22
Mount Mat Chinchang
Mount Mat Cincang is the second highest peak on Langkawi and the oldest mountain in the whole of Southeast Asia. This majestic mountain range is covered in dense rainforest and features some incredibly old and impressive rock formations. Mount Mat Cincang is one of three UNESCO World Heritage Geoparks on Langkawi and is understandably one of the top tourist attractions on the island.
The rainforest within Mount Mat Cincang is home to some ancient, gigantic trees, as well as a flurry of forest animals, including the macaque monkey and an array of birdlife, including the eagle – the symbol Langkawi itself.
A cable car carries passengers 709 meters above sea-level to the top of Mount Mat Cincang. One of the steepest cable car rides in the world, the journey offers breathtaking views of the rainforest and the Seven Wells Waterfall, along with Langkawi’s islands scattered in the Andaman Sea below. From the top of the peak on a clear day, Mount Mat Cincang presents sweeping views all the way to the Malaysian mainland and even across to southern Thailand.
Practical Info
The most popular and scenic way to see Mount Mat Cincang is to take the cable car ride from Oriental Village, located at the foot of the mountain in the Pantai Kok area. Opening hours are 10am-7pm from Monday to Thursday, 12-7pm on Wednesdays and 9:30am-7pm on weekends.
Address: Telaga Harbour Park, Langkawi, Malaysia
From $ 26
Langkawi Crocodile Farm
The Langkawi Crocodile Farm on the island of Langkawi, Malaysia, houses one of the largest collections of crocodile and alligator species in the world. The reptiles range from newborns to fully grown, some world record-holders and some that are handicapped. The crocodile farm covers an area of 20 acres.
Visitors come to Langkawi Crocodile Farm to see more than 1,000 crocodiles. The first section is where you'll find the baby crocodiles along with signs that provide facts about these little guys. There is also a pond where both crocodiles and alligators are located, with signs explain the difference so you can try to tell them apart. At the feeding pond, you can watch crocodiles snap at and devour their meals. You can also walk on a bridge above another pond where crocodiles are lounging. There is also a gift shop where you can buy fun croc-themed souvenirs.
Practical Info
The Langkawi Crocodile Farm is located on Teluk Datai Road near Datai Bay and about 20 miles north of Kuah on the northwest side of the island.
Entrance is RM20 (about $6) plus RM1 for bringing a camera.
The farm is open daily from 10am-6pm.
Address: Jalan Datai, Langkawi, Kedah 07000, Malaysia
Hours: Daily 10am-6pm
Admission: RM20, RM1 for Camera
From $ 6
Langkawi Craft Complex (Kompleks Kraf Langkawi)
Thanks to Langkawi’s status as a Duty Free Port, shopping in the city is popular and inexpensive. Established in 1966, the Langkawi Craft Complex (Kompleks Kraf Langkawi) specializes in traditional Malayan handcrafted items — things like hand-dyed batiks, silver jewelry, ceramics and woven tote bags.
The complex often hosts craft demonstrations and cultural performances. A series of on-site exhibitions cover topics like traditional wedding ceremonies, Islamic heritage and local legends.
Practical Info
The Langkawi Craft Complex is a bit out of the way, so you’ll either need to catch a taxi or join a tour to visit.
Address: Teluk Yu, Langkawi 07000, Malaysia
Hours: 10am to 6pm
From $ 30
Galeria Perdana
Located in Kilim in the northeast of Langkawi, Galeria Perdana was established in 1955 by former Malaysian Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir. It houses the gifts, awards, and souvenirs he and his wife received from various statesmen and world leaders during this time in government. As such, this well-kept museum displays a rather unique collection of cultural and artistic items from all over the world.
The museum is divided into various sections. In one section, a gleaming collection of gemstones, musical instruments and other articles made from wood, glass, porcelain, and crystal are gathered. Another section is dedicated solely to the gifts given by political figures and members of the public to the former Prime Minister’s wife. One of the more extravagant gifts the couple received is a Formula 1 racing car, which is set amid a collection of bikes and cars in another section of the museum.
Practical Info
Galeria Perdana is location in Kilim, around 12 kilometers north of Kuah. Photography is not permitted inside the museum.
Address: Jalan Ayer Hangat, Mukim Kilim, Langkawi 07000, Malaysia
Hours: 8:30am-5:30pm daily
Admission: Adult: RM 10, Child: RM 4
From $ 30